Halloween Previews - Themed Dolls

Halloween-themed dolls are showing up at Targets, Kmart, and grocery stores. Yes, Barbie witches and the Twilight dolls are out. I am tempted by two of the Twilight dolls, Victoria and Alice. (God, I am tired of the ubiquitous smiling face blond Barbie witches. Can't Mattel find another face sculpt for the Halloween dolls?) If you are a fan, you might want to buy sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. I haven't seen any of the Kelly Halloween bunch yet. Has anyone else?

NNnnnnnooooo! Petworks to Ship International? Can Our Budgets Stand This?!

I was researching something else when I came across this information. Is it a late April Fool's Day joke? Petworks to ship international.

Who would think it?

Ah but the timing ....

Thanks!

I have received friendly warnings from readers about threats to their computers IF they click on PhillyCollector. Sigh. It seems that my BlogRoll is the source. I'm removing Blogroll now until I find how to put it up without generating that awful message OR any damage to anyone's computer. Here's the link sent to me - in case you should see this problem elsewhere -

http://www.google.co.uk/support/forum/p/Webmasters/thread?tid=1ad923dc4a26104e&hl=en


I am lucky to have such great doll pals. I appreciate you all. Hope you have a great rest of the weekend and a fun week to come.

Again, Doll for Sale (Yes, Yes, I Know ;-D)

I'll lift the PayPal restriction for U.S. buyers - anyone can use it.

Fashion Fever Barbie - $15 each OR 5 for $50
Wave A
Kayla, H0651, silver net jacket, pink net skirt
Teresa, H0658, striped knee high socks, red furry vest, denim skirt

Wave B
Kayla, H0662, silver jacket, red tank, gray heather miniskirt

Wave C (This doll ONLY $10)
Kayla, pink flamingo top, pink-tan print skirt but powdery residue on doll face

Wave F
Drew, H0895, red tee w. monkey appliqué, pale blue miniskirt
Kayla, H0892, lilac jacket, orange tee shirt
Kayla, H0893, pink mini jumper, gray-green tank

Wave N
Barbie, Styled by me Barbie

Wave R
Barbie MT, purple top, blue jeans
Barbie MT, pink plaid jacket, blue jeans
Drew/Skipper PJ, pink strawberry pj

Wave T
Drew MT, pink-white lacey dress, blonde hair

Wave U
#J1381 pale complexion, black haired Kayla?

Wave V
Barbie, pink mini dress w. painted jewel inset
Drew, apricot fur jacket, black mini skirt
#K3676 Holiday Barbie

Other NRFB Barbie and Friends for $10 EACH

My Scene Delancey Target, 2004
My Scene Chelsea Rebel Style, 2006
My Scene Madison Rebel Style, 2006
My Scene Nolee Rebel Style, 2006
My Scene Nolee Just Chillin', 2003

Birthstone Beauties: May Miss Emerald (Black) 2007
Birthstone Beauties: November Miss Topaz (White) 2007

Barbie as Veronica, 2005

Barbie Diaries Courtney, 2005

Butterfly Art Barbie, 1998
Butterfly Art Teresa, 1998
Other Mattel Dolls – Various Prices

Feelin' Groovy Barbie, 1986. MIB, $35 (Note: box opened but doll & accessories intact)
Anne Klein Barbie, 1997. NRFB, $35
Limited Edition DC Catwoman, 2003. NRFB, $80
Happy Family New Neighbors Mom and Baby, 2004. NRFB. $150
Walmart Shopping Teresa, 1997. NRFB, $15
I Love Lucy: “Job Switching” Lucy & Ethel, 2008. NRFB, $40

Grab Box of 10 Nude Barbie and/or Friends dolls all in excellent condition, $60.70, shipping via USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate box for U.S. addresses included. Includes My Scene Barbies, Fashion Fever, miscellaneous other Mattel fashion dolls.

Integrity Toys Doll and Outfits

Alysa wearing Purple bandana set, green teal dress, OR yellow top and white pants, $15 each
Colette’s black leather jacket, $15

Sekiguchi Momoko
Sugarly Cafe Au Lait, nude and excellent condition, $40


Other Dolls
Grab Box of 10 Non-Mattel Fashion dolls all in excellent condition, $50.70, shipping via USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate box for U.S. addresses included. Hannah Montana, Chic Boutique, Integrity Candi, etc.

More Integrity Playline Information - Source Link and Another Alysa Photo

I was checking for one-sixth scale eyeglasses when I saw these dolls STILL available! Old Joe Infirmary not only updated their website, they also have a few of the newer - probably second / 2.5 face sculpts AND the last face sculpts - available for reasonable prices -- under $20 -- do click that link to see if there are any dolls you would want there.

Here is another photo for all the Alysa fans out there - Royal Heritage [Bride] Alysa! And [Groom] Alejandro - he's cute, too. Sigh. Wipes at eye corner with a tissue. Such a lovely couple!

I think that the bride set at the Keeping Ken article is the second or the first Alysa sculpt while mine is from the 2.5 sculpt.

More Hispanic Fashion Dolls - Chic Boutique Arianna

I have mentioned the Chic Boutique dolls in a previous post; here is a close up photo of Arianna, one of their Hispanic fashion dolls.

Integrity Alysas - Two of Her Four Faces

Integrity playline dolls have appeared in recent posts by Frannie of Thrift Store Dolls and by MSJ of MSJ's Doll Pitt. Since this is Hispanic Heritage Month, I simply must share some of my other Hispanic dolls. Let's start with Alysa, an Integrity Toys, fashion doll from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

A fan from the Integrity Toys Janay & Friends Yahoo Group wrote that there were 4 Alysa head sculpts:

First face sculpt (BIG)
Second face sculpt (improved but still biggish)
2.5 face sculpt (slimmer than the second sculpt; probably the one I have)
Third face sculpt ("pinched" look in my opinion; I have MANY of these, LOL)

Below is a comparison photo of the 2.5 and the 3rd Alysa face sculpts.

I just love, love, LOVE the second or 2.5 head sculpt. But I love the titan curls on the third head sculpt doll, too. The dolls shown are Heat Wave Alysa from 2001 and Studio It Alysa from 2005.

Below, are more photos from that lovely, volatile-looking Alysa (2nd or 2.5 face sculpt?): Urban Reflections (far left), purple-haired Color Rave, and Heat Wave.

Don't forget that Therese is working on a Janay database.

Rapzunel and Flynn Rider Dolls Seen at Walmart

Mattel Hispanic Teenager Fashion Dolls

Below are the dolls I consider Hispanic in my doll collection.

1. Teresa (California Dream / Island Fun, 1998 – Present)

2. Ana (Generation Girl, 1999)

3. Kayla (Amazing Nails, 2001 - Present)

4. P. Bo (Flavas, 2003)

5. Marisa (Model of the Moment, 2004)

6. Shakira (2002)

7. Tia (Fashion Fever, 2005)

8. Gabriella (High School Musical, 2007 – Present)

9. Diego Bustamante (Rebelde, 2007)

10. Miguel Arango Cervera (Rebelde, 2007)

11. Mía Colucci (Rebelde, 2007)

12. Guadalupe 'Lupita' Fernández (Rebelde, 2007)

13. Giovanni Méndez López (Rebelde, 2007)

14. Roberta Pardo Rey (Rebelde, 2007)


For Hispanic Barbies, see Vivian’s website.

Mystery Doll Query - Who is She?

No, you haven't got the wrong blog. Still PhillyCollector here, but I received a doll query in Comments that I decided to bring out for my fellow doll enthusiasts. My guess is that the doll is a Disney doll, possibly the Wicked Queen from Snow White? Just a guess though so I ask for Xandara, does anyone recognize this doll?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Contender for the First Asian American Ken

Query and response post to Therese of Dolls of Color blog.

I wear a black leather jacket and black jeans instead of a red costume.

My black hair has trendy chartreuse streaks.

My grandmother was Japanese.

Do you remember me? I am 1 Modern Circle Ken.



I don’t care what the Press claims or the People believe. I know my Story. I know my Heritage. Shouldn't I be the first Asian American Ken? What do you think?

Have you seen these? Generation Girl Outfits Query

The fashions in this post are shown in the third Generation Girl (My Room) booklet. I have seen the outfits shown in the second booklet (Dance Party), but I either missed these fashions or they were never produced. If anyone has seen them, please forward a comment about them and any links showing them NRFB or on a doll.

The only one I would wear would be Lara’s; Nichelle’s hat reminds me of a Fifth Dimension song, “Up, up and Away.” High drama. How about you?

Lads in Leather I

Random male dolls and male action figures in leather (pleather?) outfits. I think our Asian American G.I. Joe is wondering whether he should have worn a red shirt. He and I like the small splash of color though.

He can't help the white gloves - they're molded on.

New Artsy Fashionista Found by Frannie of Thrift Store Dolls!

Anyone seeking Artsy Fashionista from the Swappin' Styles line? Check the photo for the post by Frannie of Thrift Store Dolls.

There are LOTS of other interesting dolls, old and new, at the Thrift Store Dolls blog.

Kiddie City Circular - Guess the Year

When do you think this circular was distributed? It's from Kiddie City, a no longer existing toy store that was in Philadelphia.

Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15

How many Hispanic Americans do you see in this photo? If you hold that Canadians are also Americans, then the count would be four. If not, then three. The dolls and action figures are from right to left Olga Tanon, Hispanic Hot Toys action figure, R&D Doll's Susie, and YNU Group Mixis Rosa. Rosa is Hispanic-Canadian. Susie has Asian-Hispanic heritage. Olga Tanon is Puerto Rican.

Back in 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Week as the week containing September 15th and September 16th. Congress extended that observance to a month in 1988. How many people knew that Hispanic Americans have an observance month? I confess, I recently did.

So, I will be posting photos of Hispanic dolls and action figures. If any readers have blogs in Spanish that you would like to share, please send a comment with the URL of that blog - or website. I will submit a post with the links.

Thanks!

Blaine Says Hi and Beware!

I found my NRFB Generation Girl Blaine My Room doll. I noticed a suspicious sheen to his calf and alas! Blaine has "leaky legs" - please see the photo. So I had to remove him. If you have this Blaine NRFB, you may want to remove him from his box and wash and dry those legs. Or you may want to remove the clear plastic shield over him to avoid further deterioration.

Super Shopping Channel Update

Alas, the Super Shopping Channel does not ship outside of Canada at this time.

Collectors interested in their items will need to find a Canadian buddy. Good luck!

Understudy/Replacement for Toy Biz Storm

Storm

Notice how gaunt ToyBiz Storm looks. Recent rumors suggest that she may NOT leave her box to perform as scheduled. Management at the East Philadelphia Playscale Playhouse or EPPP seek an understudy for the actress. Below are their three choices: Candi, Flaunt It, and Janay. Unfortunately, the management could NOT settle on an actress. Please help them chose by voting for one of the actresses OR by submitting a photo of YOUR choice for a Storm doppelganger. Poll will be in the sidebar to the right.

Candi

Flaunt It

Janay

Photos of other actresses can be sent to d7ana (at) yahoo.com. Please send only photos you do not mind sharing online since I would like to show your photos as actress alternatives in a future post.

Cautionary Tale: Collector Don’t Take Your Barbie to a Pawn Shop

I never considered myself a pawn shop type. What convinced me? Years watching crime drama on television. Where did criminals hang out? Pawn shops. What did pawn shops stock? Jewelry, small electronics, musical instruments. And guns. None of which interested me. However, hearing that a car dealership – similar in status to pawn shops I thought - acknowledged that dolls had value, I decided that maybe today’s pawn shops would consider a cash for Barbie exchange. Worth a try, hey?



So I placed some calls. Most of the shops told me that no, they did NOT pawn Barbies. One woman sounded as outraged as if I had asked her to accept used crotchless undies. Sheesh, are Barbies that offensive to the non-collecting world? Another person might accept them – he’d have to see them first – but only for a loan from $3 to $15 dollars. Each doll. That one, I had to see. I mean, really! Did he think I was a school kid or a junkie? Rhetorical question, that. Then I seemed to luck out. Yes, it seems that at least ONE pawn shop buys new-in-box Barbies!


Remember I wrote, “seems.” Excited by this news – I tried to find out what kind of Barbie they would buy. I spoke to two men at different times. Neither would state a time or other criteria. Both men told me that they would have to see the doll to make sure the doll’s box was never opened. Well, I understood that, but what kind of dolls interested them? What did they want? They would check the dolls’ prices on eBay. Sigh. Tiresome stance, but okay, they did not want to commit over the telephone.


So, I take the AKA Centennial Barbie and a few other dolls to that Barbie-buying pawn shop. Jingle, jingle go the bells over the doorway. I notice the ceiling to floor plastic barrier that narrows the already long room. Gulp. Oh my. Well, I live in Big City Philadelphia; the clear wall is for protection and so that patrons can see the merchandise. I wonder if the barrier is bulletproof. I shake off a Dorothy-not-in-Kansas sensation and attempt to smile at the approaching man who looked as if he could be comfortable with a gun. Medium height, thin, scruffy and sour mien. The pawn shop guy squares up on the other side of the plastic wall. His eyes seem to narrow. Could he help?


“Hi!” I said, “I’d called about the Barbies.”


He tells me to show him the dolls. I unload them all. He reaches out and checks the boxes. Well, these dolls are too recent. Butterfly Art Barbie and Teresa. Two of the High School Musical dolls, the first Gabriella on a Barbie-sized body and Graduation Ryan in a kilt. Some Kellys from 2004. They want dolls new-in-box from the 1970s. Shrug. Okay, I won’t lose sleep over not selling those dolls here. And I would not whine that had I been told the now-defined-period over the telephone, neither of us would have been inconvenienced. What about my one BIG one? What about the AKA Centennial Barbie? Her price ranges from $200-400 on eBay.

(Note: AKA Centennial Barbie had recently sold for $200+ and $400+ per eBay’s completed listings at that time. So I had high hopes. Soundtrack played: Money, money, money, monnnn-eeey. Money.)


The pawn shop guy saunters down to his computer, taps a few keys, and after a few minutes, returns to the window where I stand. Yes, there is an AKA Barbie online for the eBay price I mentioned. BUT it is not the same label. My eyes widen and I cock my head. Outrage chases away a phantom gun threat. WHAT?! The $400+ priced AKA Centennial Barbie online was the platinum label while mine was the pink label. So quoth the pawn shop guy.


I want to scream that there is NO such thing as a “platinum” label AKA Centennial doll – only the pink label. Then I remind myself that screaming leaves a sore throat and how unpleasant screaming is on a hot day. Then I remember: I am in a pawn shop. Did I want physical pain added to my disappointment? Did I really forget that that guy just might have a gun? No. I brought Barbies to a pawn shop: what did I expect? Someone versed in current Barbie minutia?


So, I thank the now bored pawn shop guy for his time and gather my unwanted dolls. Sigh. Pawn shop guy score 1. My score, O.

Guess who uploaded a photo of AKA Barbie on eBay later? But that is another sad story.

Final Summer Sale - Update on Items, Etc.

Fashion Fever Barbie - $15 each OR 5 for $50

Wave A
Kayla, H0651, silver net jacket, pink net skirt
Teresa, H0658, striped knee high socks, red furry vest, denim skirt

Wave B
Kayla, H0662, silver jacket, red tank, gray heather miniskirt

Wave C (This doll ONLY $10)
Kayla, pink flamingo top, pink-tan print skirt but powdery residue on doll face

Wave F
Drew, H0895, red tee w. monkey appliqué, pale blue miniskirt
Kayla, H0892, lilac jacket, orange tee shirt
Kayla, H0893, pink mini jumper, gray-green tank
Teresa, H0897, white tee shirt, mint vest, brown print pants HOLD

Wave N
Barbie, Styled by me Barbie
Wave R
Barbie MT, purple top, blue jeans
Barbie MT, pink plaid jacket, blue jeans
Drew/Skipper PJ, pink strawberry pj
Teresa PJ, black hair, pale complexion HOLD

Wave T
Drew MT, pink-white lacey dress, blonde hair

Wave U
#J1381 pale complexion, black haired Kayla?

Wave V
Barbie, pink mini dress w. painted jewel inset
Drew, apricot fur jacket, black mini skirt

#K3676 Holiday Barbie

Other NRFB Barbie and Friends for $10 EACH

My Scene Delancey Target, 2004
My Scene Chelsea Rebel Style, 2006
My Scene Madison Rebel Style, 2006
My Scene Nolee Rebel Style, 2006
My Scene Nolee Just Chillin', 2003

Birthstone Beauties: May Miss Emerald (Black) 2007
Birthstone Beauties: November Miss Topaz (White) 2007

Barbie as Veronica, 2005

Barbie Diaries Courtney, 2005

Butterfly Art Barbie, 1998
Butterfly Art Teresa, 1998

Other Mattel Dolls – Various Prices

Feelin' Groovy Barbie, 1986. MIB, $35 (Note: box opened but doll & accessories intact) HOLD
Anne Klein Barbie, 1997. NRFB, $35
Limited Edition DC Catwoman, 2003. NRFB, $80
Happy Family New Neighbors Mom and Baby, 2004. NRFB. $150
Walmart Shopping Teresa, 1997. NRFB, $15
I Love Lucy: “Job Switching” Lucy & Ethel, 2008. NRFB, $40

Grab Box of 10 Nude Barbie and/or Friends dolls all in excellent condition, $60.70, shipping via USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate box for U.S. addresses included. Includes My Scene Barbies, Fashion Fever, miscellaneous other Mattel fashion dolls.

Mattel Outfits

Rocker Ken’s silver jumpsuit and silver trenchcoat, trench belt, 1 pink-silver sock, 1 pink-silver armband, pair of silver sneakers, $20
Earring Magic Ken’s net tee shirt, lavender leather vest with ring, lavender-gray slacks, and black loafers, $15

Integrity Toys Doll and Outfits

Dark Narcissus Kyori Sato, excellent condition with original dress and shoes and accessories (EXCEPT BAG), $75
Alysa wearing Purple bandana set, green teal dress, OR yellow top and white pants, $15 each
Colette’s black leather jacket, $25 (Query: does it open?)
Lukas’ black leather trench coat with detachable collar, $35

Other Dolls

Grab Box of 10 Non-Mattel Fashion dolls all in excellent condition, $50.70, shipping via USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate box for U.S. addresses included. Hannah Montana, Chic Boutique, Integrity Candi, etc.